Column: Aaron Worm, Behind the Mic

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the definition of success is “to turn out well.” When it comes to Albert Lea sports and the football program, during the last six years under Clay Anderson things have definitely turned out well.

Every fan wishes their team would win every game, or win the state title year after year after year. But when you break down the success Anderson has had here in Albert Lea you have to look beyond the numbers.

Before Albert Lea, Anderson was used to winning more than losing. As the head coach of LeCenter, his team finished second in state in 1999, and at the helm of Norwood-Young America, the Raiders went to state twice, including a second-place finish in 2003.

Anderson, a 1982 graduate of Northfield High School and a 1986 grad of St. Olaf College in Northfield, led the Tigers football program to an 11-44 record in six years. The Tigers won one playoff game in that span and dominated their rivals from Austin going 5-2, winning the last five matchups. The most memorable game during Anderson’s tenure was a 26-21 win over then unbeaten and seventh-ranked Rochester Century on Oct. 2, 2009.

One thing I always heard from other coaches around the Big Nine about Anderson’s teams was they played hard and never gave up. Most times on Friday nights the Tigers would face teams that had more guys on the roster and bigger guys on the line. But no matter what the score, Anderson’s teams always competed hard to the end of each game.

Anderson will be leaving the school district at the end June to be the head football coach and at risk-program coordinator at Benton Community High School in Van Horne, Iowa. Anderson said the thing he will miss the most about Albert Lea is the kids.

“I don’t think there is any doubt I am going to miss the kids that I worked with,” Anderson said. “Every year it seemed to get better and better. Kids were awesome, they worked hard. I enjoy the relationships you build with the guys. You have a chance to make an impact positively on their lives, it’s a great responsibility, its got great rewards as well.”

When it comes to Anderson’s tenure at Albert Lea, I have heard nothing but positives for what he has accomplished as football coach and activities director. I have nothing but good things to say about Anderson as well.

I met Anderson in the fall of 2006, a few days after becoming the sports director at KATE. I have enjoyed working with Anderson over the years, interviewing him before football games and talking Tiger sports every Tuesday during the school year.

I wish Anderson the best of luck in his future endeavors at Benton Community High School. I will definitely check the Iowa football scores on Saturday mornings to see how his team is doing. He will be missed as a coach and activities director and to me and many others as a friend.

Aaron Worm’s column usually appears every Monday in the Tribune. He can be heard from 6 to 10 a.m. weekdays on 94.9 The Breeze.